Abel Tasman Commands $5 Million at January Sale

January 7, 2019

Champion Abel Tasman sold for $5 million to Coolmore’s M.V. Magnier to lead Monday’s opening session of the 2019 Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale. The amount for Abel Tasman, cataloged as a broodmare prospect, equals the $5 million spent at the 2000 January Sale for Mackie, in foal to Mr. Prospector, as the highest price in sale history.

Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, consigned Abel Tasman, a 5-year-old daughter of Quality Road cataloged as a broodmare prospect. With 2017 wins in the Kentucky Oaks (G1), Acorn (G1) and Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), she was the year’s champion 3-year-old filly. Abel Tasman won the 2018 Ogden Phipps (G1) and Personal Ensign (G1) and is a finalist for the Eclipse as the year’s champion older mare.

Summer Wind Equine paid $750,000 for A Star Is Born (IRE), a daughter of Galileo (IRE) in foal to War Front. Consigned by Hill ‘n’ Dale Sales Agency, agent, A Star Is Born is carrying a full brother to stakes winner and Group 1-placed Fleet Review. The 9-year-old mare is a full sister to Irish highweight and Group 1 winner Rip Van Winkle (IRE) and a half-sister to Italian Group 3 winner Le Vie Infinite.